Factors Influencing Women's Political Participation in Kibera Division, Nairobi

Abstract

This study examines some of the factors influencing women's political participation in Kenya by focusing on women's participation In civic and parliamentary elections in Kibera division of Nairobi. It also examined the political structures and institutions that affect women's participation in electoral politics and processes. Research was carried out in Kibera Division in Nairobi. A total of 154 respondents were purposively selected and interviewed for this study. Library research was also carried out to supplement primary data sources. Data elicited from respondents were electronically analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) The findings of the study were that, although women constitute about 52.2 per cent of the population and are a majority of the voters, they have been unable to participate fully in the electoral process. For instance, women occupy only 3.2 per cent of the total seats In parliament, while Since independence in 1963, only one women has been appointed a Cabinet Minister (1996). The study strides In finds that, although women have made great some areas such as education (where they have achieved 60 per cent literacy) and in development activities, they still lag behind in participation, where they largely positions. This has immensely terms of political occupy subordinate undermined their contribution to determining the political destiny of the Kenyan society. Certain factors that affect the participation of women 1n political. processes were identified. These exist at the household, community and national levels. A major factor is the lack of empowerment, as women are denied equal access to most resources such as education and property. The most inhibiting factors to participation are rooted in culture attitudes, economic inequities, access women's political including social to education, and poor incomes. It was evident from the study that active political participation is expenditure, while the most politics is a male domain. associated with high that be popular attitude was Women should basically homemakers. Poor educational achievements among most women was found to be a key contributory factor to their low participation a n political processes. It determines to a large extent their voting behaviour including effective networking for political ends. Low income was cited as another major factor hindering the participation of women in politics. Active political participation is associated with high expenditure and therefore requires one to have a good income in addition to other financial sources. The major recommendations of the study are that first, a review of legislative policies addressing gender imbalances in all areas of society including politics as they negatively impact on women needs to be undertaken. The issues to be considered here include affirmative action and quotas for women seeking political positions. Secondly, there is a need to train women on entrepreneurship and income generation, .in order to empower them financially. Issues pertaining to property, access and control of produce in relation to women should be addressed through the formulation and implementation of appropriate economic policies that target women. Thirdly, attitudes towards women should be addressed through community education and sensitization. This can be done through rigorous C1V1C educational programmes, which should not only be the responsibility of the civil society, but that of the government as a sign of positive political commitment. Fourthly legislative measures should be put in place to address gender imbalances: These should include the scrapping of anachronistic laws especially those touching on inheritance and property rights which directly or indirectly oppress women. This can be done through the law reform processes. The current initiatives, for example, the Task Force on Laws Affecting Women is a positive step in this direction. Finally, further research should be carried out on women's political participation. As demonstrated in the study most research in this area address theoretical issues regarding the subject. There is therefore a need for empirical data, as a basis for designing practical intervention programmes to address the problems exposed by the study.